From the least of birds, let us proceed to the largest. The condòr, a
bird of the hawk species, frequently inhabits the very highest summits
of the Tucuman and other mountains, whence it flies down to the vallies
beneath to prey upon cattle. It is of an almost incredible magnitude;
when its wings are expanded, it measures ten feet, (or, according to
some, sixteen,) from the extremity of one wing to that of the other. The
hollow part of the quill is equal to a man's finger in width. This bird
is furnished with talons like those of a cock, and its beak is so strong
and pointed, that it can pierce a bull's hide. It is black, sprinkled
here and there with white feathers. On its head it has a little crest,
like that of a cock, but not so denticulated. It is possessed of amazing
strength, and is formidable to all animals, but particularly to new-born
calves and foals; for it tears out their eyes with its beak, and then
kills and eats them. It is said to carry away lambs in the air. The
devastation these birds daily commit amongst the herds and flocks
exceeds belief. Several of them always fly together to rapine, and being
rendered formidable by their numbers, do not scruple to attack even full
grown beasts. When satiated and loaded with meat they are unable to fly
back again, and try to relieve their stomachs by vomiting, that they may
be lighter and more expeditious in flying. The Spaniards who guarded the
estates, having frequently observed this circumstance, place in the way
of the condòrs beef sprinkled with plenty of salt, which they eagerly
devour, but not being able to vomit, are rendered incapable of flying,
and slain with sticks and stones whilst coursing up and down the plain.
At other times the condòrs, crowding together, make a tremendous noise
by clapping their enormous wings, to the terror of all that hear them.
They soar so high in the air as to seem from below no bigger than
sparrows.